What happened at Nuggets media day: Nikola Jokić cements commitment to franchise

During the Denver Nuggets' media day on September 28, 2026, superstar center Nikola Jokić confirmed his commitment to remain with the franchise long-term. Jokić stated that he plans to sign a contract extension next summer, addressing speculation surrounding his upcoming free agency option. Denver's executive vice president of basketball operations, Ben Tenzer, affirmed that the front office has no concerns regarding Jokić's future with the team.

Jokić explained that delaying his extension is purely a business decision, as waiting until next summer makes him eligible for an estimated five-year, $360 million deal instead of a four-year, $278 million contract. Denver is aiming to contend despite recent roster changes, having acquired 37-year-old DeMar DeRozan while losing Peyton Watson, Jonas Valančiūnas, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown.